Translated literature has been growing steadily in popularity over the past decade, thanks to independent publishers willing to embrace unique and innovative stories. Companies like Fitzcarraldo and And Other Stories have become prominent figures in major literary awards, such as the Nobel Prize for Literature and the International Booker Prize.

In a ceremony held at the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall on May 19, Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated from Mandarin Chinese by Lin King, was announced as the winners of the 2026 International Booker Prize. This victory is a significant milestone as Yáng and King are the first Taiwanese and Taiwanese-American recipients in the history of the prestigious award. The £50,000 prize money will be split equally between the author and the translator, who were both honored with trophies at the London event.

This win marks the second consecutive year that And Other Stories has claimed the top prize in translated fiction, following their 2025 win with Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi.

Yáng and Lin discussed Taiwan Travelogue with Dr. Aimée Walsh, The Mirror’s book critic, following their historic win. Natasha Brown, chair of the judging panel, praised the book as “a love letter to translation” that combines elements of romance and incisive postcolonial storytelling.

Set in 1930s Taiwan, Taiwan Travelogue follows Aoyama, a Japanese writer exploring the island’s culture through her interactions with the locals. The novel highlights the complexities of colonialism and the clash of perspectives between the colonizer and the colonized.

Yáng emphasized the importance of portraying a female protagonist with a “friendly colonizer” mindset and explored the reactions of the Taiwanese people to external influences. The novel delves into Taiwan’s historical relationships with Japanese colonialism and China, challenging traditional narratives of colonial superiority.

Lin highlighted the significance of translating works into English to reach a broader audience and spark conversations about cultural and political realities. Translated literature, like Taiwan Travelogue, serves as a form of resistance against literary homogeny and promotes cross-cultural understanding.

The discussion between Yáng and Lin underscored the power of translation in amplifying diverse voices and narratives, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers to enrich global literary discourse.